Newsletter

House to pass bills to reopen national parks, VA; Democrats demand full reopening

WASHINGTON (AP) — House and Senate Democrats say they’ll reject a bid by Republicans to reopen portions of the government, including national parks and processing of claims at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

They say the entire government should be reopened, not just the parts that Republicans like.

The vote is scheduled for around 5 p.m. CST, Tuesday, Oct. 1.

Top Senate Democrat Harry Reid said Republicans “are trying to cherry-pick some of the few parts of government that they like.”

The plan by House Republicans would also allow the government of Washington, D.C., to use its own taxpayer funds to provide services like garbage pickup.

The closure of national parks is among the most visible effects of the partial government shutdown. The GOP plan would reopen doors and visitors centers at iconic parks like Yosemite and Yellowstone and museums along the National Mall.